An Opinion based on recent experience and local knowledge

Blanket 20 mph limits in built-up areas make no sense. Targeted 20 mph limits can be justified. I recently travelled to the Falkirk area where I experienced speed limit changes from 60mph to 50mph to 40mph to 30mph to 20mph. My “car” thought I was experiencing driver fatigue and suggested I take a rest. The same happened on my return journey when I’d been driving for less than an hour! Ridiculous! On some occasions, I could see justification for the lowest speed limit - on other occasions, where visibility was good, I reckoned the 20 mph was gratuitous and served no useful purpose.

Let me take Keith as an example. Land Street might well be sped limited to 20 mph. Why? Because cars park on both sides of the street and some drivers who have recently passed their test fear traversing Land Street. I’m an experienced driver and can accommodate oncoming traffic by targeting spaces but there is the possibility of small persons emerging from the pavement - hidden from view by parked cars. I have always recognised this possibility. Fife Street in Fife Keith is different. A wide street. Few parked cars. Good visibility. So 30mph is fine.

Other respondents have suggested that reducing the speed limit to 20 mph will ensure that those who travel at 35mph through 30mph limits will reduce their speed. That’s not an argument. That’s an enforcement issue. As I commented earlier on recent experience, lorries would catch me up in the 20mph speed limited area. Enforcement is the issue and that must also apply to the safety of pedestrians.

A sensible limit of 20mph will be accepted, albeit reluctantly. Widespread speed limiting will be resented and will be removed if there is a change in the government of Scotland. A government that listens to the people and uninfluenced by Marxist, independence-minded extremist Scottish Greens.

Enforcement of current limits may be all that is needed. Any change must be supported by evidence. It’s not easy to drive at 20mph! Evidence is the key to democracy!